Fedor Gorst has switched allegiances and will represent Team USA at the famous Mosconi Cup in December, having been ‘welcomed with open arms’ since becoming an American citizen.
Moscow-born Gorst relocated stateside alongside his girlfriend Kristina Tkach a year-and-a-half ago and recently been granted permanent residency in the United States.
The US Open Pool Championship runner-up received a warm reception from the American fans in Atlantic City, and Gorst will now represent the USA in all events on the World Nineball Tour, starting with the Hanoi Open in Vietnam.
Gorst becomes the second member of Jeremy Jones’ team and joins Skyler Woodward amongst the lineup, with Shane van Boening expected to be the third qualifier via the rankings following this week’s Hanoi Open.
“Since I moved to the USA in February of last year, I’ve been welcomed with open arms everywhere I’ve been,” expressed Gorst. “The people of America have treated me like one of their own. I have felt this for months, and especially with the support I received at the US Open. I felt like I was truly home.
“For that reason as well as my recent approval for permanent residency, I’m so excited to represent the red, white and blue of the USA across WNT events as well as Team USA at the Mosconi Cup. I can’t wait to head to London in December and join up with Jeremy and Skyler – let’s go USA!”
Gorst will become the first player in the 30-year history of the Mosconi Cup to represent both teams, having previously represented Europe when the trans-Atlantic tussle was held behind closed doors during the pandemic.
In addition, Gorst changing allegiances means that he will be eligible for the American team at next year’s World Cup of Pool.
David Alcaide, meanwhile, has been named as the second European qualifier following his European Open triumph in August, with the Spanish star set to compete in his third consecutive Mosconi Cup and fifth overall.
World Nineball Tour boss Emily Frazer said: “This is one of the most exciting announcements in the 30-year history of the Mosconi Cup, with American fans able to witness another world-class player showcase their skills on the grandest stage for them.
“Fedor received a great reception when representing the Americans at the US Open last month, and with David, the newly crowned European Open champion, confirmed for Europe, two of nineball’s current greatest will go head-to-head at the 30th anniversary of the Mosconi Cup.”
